Some fish that you should not put in a pond are goldfish, koi, common carp, and catfish. These fish can cause problems for your pond ecosystem, such as overpopulation, water quality issues, predation, and disease transmission. In this article, we will explain why these fish are not suitable for ponds and what alternatives you can consider.
Goldfish are one of the most popular fish for ponds, but they are also one of the worst choices. Goldfish are prolific breeders and can quickly overrun a pond with their offspring. They also produce a lot of waste, which can pollute the water and reduce the oxygen levels for other aquatic life. Goldfish are omnivorous and will eat anything they can find, including plants, insects, and smaller fish. This can damage the natural balance of your pond and make it less attractive.
Goldfish are also prone to diseases and parasites, which can spread to other fish in your pond. Some of these diseases can be fatal, such as goldfish ulcer disease, which causes open sores on the body of the fish. Goldfish are also susceptible to fungal infections, bacterial infections, and viral infections, such as koi herpesvirus.
If you want to keep goldfish in your pond, you should limit their number and provide adequate filtration and aeration. You should also quarantine any new goldfish before adding them to your pond and monitor them for signs of illness. Alternatively, you can choose other fish that are more compatible with ponds, such as rosy red minnows, golden orfe, or golden shiners.
Koi
Koi are another popular fish for ponds, but they are also not ideal. Koi are large fish that can grow up to three feet long and weigh up to 35 pounds. They require a lot of space and water to thrive, and most ponds are not big enough to accommodate them. Koi also need a lot of food and produce a lot of waste, which can affect the water quality and oxygen levels of your pond. Koi are also omnivorous and will eat plants, insects, and smaller fish, which can disrupt the natural balance of your pond.
Koi are also susceptible to diseases and parasites, such as koi herpesvirus, which can wipe out an entire population of koi in a matter of days. Koi herpesvirus is highly contagious and can infect other fish species, such as goldfish, common carp, and catfish. Koi are also vulnerable to bacterial infections, fungal infections, and parasitic infections, such as anchor worms and fish lice.
If you want to keep koi in your pond, you should make sure your pond is large enough and has adequate filtration and aeration. You should also quarantine any new koi before adding them to your pond and monitor them for signs of illness. Alternatively, you can choose other fish that are more suitable for ponds, such as shubunkin, sarasa comet, or butterfly koi.
Common Carp
Common carp are not usually kept as pets, but they can sometimes end up in ponds by accident or by illegal stocking. Common carp are invasive fish that can cause serious problems for your pond ecosystem. Common carp are bottom feeders and will stir up the sediment and muck in your pond, making the water cloudy and murky. They will also uproot and eat the plants in your pond, reducing the habitat and food source for other aquatic life. Common carp are also aggressive and will compete with other fish for food and space.
Common carp are also carriers of diseases and parasites, such as koi herpesvirus, spring viremia of carp, and carp pox. These diseases can infect other fish in your pond and cause mortality and morbidity. Common carp are also hosts for parasitic worms, such as tapeworms and roundworms, which can infect humans and animals that come into contact with the water or the fish.
If you find common carp in your pond, you should remove them as soon as possible and dispose of them properly. You should also report any illegal stocking of common carp to your local authorities and prevent any further introduction of these fish to your pond. Alternatively, you can choose other fish that are more beneficial for your pond, such as grass carp, silver carp, or bighead carp.
Catfish
Catfish are another fish that you should not put in a pond. Catfish are predatory fish that will eat anything they can catch, including other fish, frogs, turtles, and birds. They can also grow very large and require a lot of space and water to live comfortably. Catfish are also messy fish that produce a lot of waste and ammonia, which can lower the water quality and oxygen levels of your pond. Catfish are also nocturnal and will hide during the day, making them less visible and enjoyable to watch.
Catfish are also prone to diseases and parasites, such as channel catfish virus, columnaris, and ick. These diseases can affect other fish in your pond and cause health problems and death. Catfish are also hosts for parasitic worms, such as flatworms and flukes, which can infect humans and animals that come into contact with the water or the fish.
If you want to keep catfish in your pond, you should make sure your pond is large enough and has adequate filtration and aeration. You should also quarantine any new catfish before adding them to your pond and monitor them for signs of illness. Alternatively, you can choose other fish that are more compatible with ponds, such as bluegill, sunfish, or bass.
In conclusion, some fish that you should not put in a pond are goldfish, koi, common carp, and catfish. These fish can cause problems for your pond ecosystem, such as overpopulation, water quality issues, predation, and disease transmission. You should avoid these fish and choose other fish that are more suitable for ponds, such as rosy red minnows, golden orfe, golden shiners, shubunkin, sarasa comet, butterfly koi, grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, bluegill, sunfish, or bass. These fish will enhance the beauty and health of your pond and provide you with enjoyment and satisfaction.
